Manischewitz Concord 1.5L

Manischewitz Concord 1.5L is a sweet kosher wine made from Concord grapes, bottled at 11% ABV in a generous magnum format. Produced in Canandaigua, New York under strict Rabbinical supervision, it remains one of the most recognized kosher wines in the United States and a fixture at Jewish holiday tables for generations.

Quick Facts: ABV: 11%  |  Origin: Canandaigua, New York, USA  |  Varietal: 100% Concord Grape  |  Producer: Manischewitz Wine Company

Production & Heritage

The Manischewitz brand has deep roots in American Jewish culture and has long been synonymous with kosher winemaking. The wine is fermented at 60 degrees Fahrenheit in stainless steel tanks, a controlled method that preserves the bright, fruit-forward character of the Concord grape. From the moment grapes arrive at the Canandaigua winery through bottling, every step is handled by Sabbath-observing Jews, and every ingredient is certified kosher under the supervision of the Union of Orthodox Jewish Congregations of America (the OU). This rigorous oversight distinguishes Manischewitz from conventional wines and ensures compliance with Orthodox kosher law.

Tasting Notes

Aroma: Fresh Concord grape dominates the nose immediately, followed by ripe berry notes and a hint of blueberry jam. The aromatics are direct, unmistakable, and true to the varietal.

Taste: The entry is decidedly sweet, with the unmistakable flavor of ripe Concord grapes front and center. The mid-palate broadens with candied strawberry and blackberry tones, while a grape-jelly richness gives the wine a generous, full mouthfeel. Despite its sweetness, there is enough fruit acidity to keep it from becoming cloying.

Finish: The finish is moderate in length, trailing off with lingering grapey sweetness and a light berry note. The texture remains smooth and soft through the close.

How to Drink Manischewitz Concord

Serve well chilled — around 45°F — to bring the sweetness into balance with the Concord grape's natural acidity. It also works over ice on warm days. For a simple wine spritzer, combine with sparkling water and a squeeze of lime for a refreshing low-ABV drink. In a Red Sangria, the bold grape flavor holds its own alongside citrus and stone fruit. It can also anchor a Concord Grape Punch when mixed with ginger ale, fresh mint, and sliced fruit — a crowd-friendly option for large gatherings.

Best For

• Passover Seder and other Jewish holiday celebrations
• Shabbat dinners and kiddush blessings
• Hosting large gatherings where a magnum format reduces the need for multiple bottles
• Introducing someone to sweet, fruit-forward wines in a classic American style

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Manischewitz Concord taste like? Manischewitz Concord is a distinctly sweet wine with intense, fresh Concord grape flavor complemented by notes of blueberry jam, grape jelly, and candied berries. It has a generous, smooth mouthfeel that finishes with lingering grapey sweetness.

How does Manischewitz Concord compare to Carmel Palwin? Both are sweet kosher wines commonly served at Jewish holidays, but they differ in varietal character — Manischewitz is made from Concord grapes, giving it a distinctly American grape-jelly profile, while Carmel Palwin is an Israeli-produced wine that does not use Concord grapes. Manischewitz tends to be more widely available in the U.S. and carries a stronger grapey aroma.

Is Manischewitz Concord good for sipping on its own? Yes, served well chilled it drinks easily as a dessert wine or casual sipper, though its pronounced sweetness means most people enjoy it in small pours or over ice rather than as a dinner wine.

Where is Manischewitz Concord made? Manischewitz Concord is produced by the Manischewitz Wine Company in Canandaigua, New York, within the Finger Lakes region of upstate New York.

What foods pair well with Manischewitz Concord? Peanut butter and jelly sandwiches make a playful but surprisingly harmonious pairing, leaning into the wine's grape-jelly character. Brisket served with a sweet glaze complements the wine's richness. Challah bread and apple cake are natural matches at holiday tables. Sharp aged cheddar creates a sweet-savory contrast, and chocolate-covered strawberries mirror the wine's candied berry notes.

What sizes does Manischewitz Concord come in? Manischewitz Concord is commonly available in 750ml and 1.5L bottles, with the 1.5L magnum being the larger-format option suited for holiday meals and gatherings.

Is Manischewitz Concord worth the price? Manischewitz Concord positions squarely as an entry-level, value-driven kosher wine, and the 1.5L format offers strong volume for its price tier. It delivers exactly what it promises — authentic Concord grape sweetness with full kosher certification — making it a reliable choice for its intended purpose.

Why Manischewitz Concord?

What sets this wine apart is the combination of strict Orthodox kosher certification and an unapologetically bold Concord grape profile that no other widely distributed wine replicates. The OU Rabbinical supervision from grape reception through bottling meets the highest standards of kosher observance, making it suitable for even the most observant households. The 1.5L magnum format is practical for Seder tables and large holiday dinners, reducing bottle count without compromising on the familiar flavor. For anyone seeking a genuine, certified kosher Concord grape wine rooted in American Jewish tradition, Manischewitz remains the benchmark.